TOKYO, Japan, March 24, 2010 -- Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and its subsidiary, Sumitomo Electric Fine Polymer Inc. (SFP), launched the Microfiltration Membrane Module designed for the membrane bioreactor (MBR) to the Chinese market. The first shipment of this product, headed to major chemical and steel manufacturing companies in China, has completed by the end of February 2010.
This Microfiltration Membrane Module for MBR employs SFP's "POREFLON," a porous membrane material manufactured by the unique processing technology using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). POREFLON has numerous fine pores approximately 0.1 μm on its surface. In terms of strength and chemical resistance, POREFLON exceeds polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and other synthetic resins, allowing easy cleaning of the membrane surface and continuous, stable operation. Combining many pieces of this hollow fiber membrane into a commercial filter module, SFP commenced marketing the "POREFLON Microfiltration Membrane Module" in 2003. Since then, the company has shipped it to many factories that discharge industrial wastewater, purification plants and sewage treatment plants in Japan and South Korea. This module contributes to industrial wastewater reuse, drinking water production and domestic wastewater purification.
"Our water-treatment membrane has outstanding features that can be applied even to oil-containing wastewater and other complicated wastewater treatment," says Akito Kubo, president and CEO of SFP. "Against the backdrop of an increasing awareness of environmental issues, this product can make a good business opportunity. We are also delighted to contribute to environmental protection through our product."
In recognition of the outstanding performance of POREFLON Microfiltration Membrane Module, it was selected for the first time to be used in the MBR system for organic wastewater treatment in major chemical and steel manufacturing companies in China. Additional orders for the product are expected from Chinese sewage treatment plants and waste incineration facilities (leachate treatment systems).
In China, industrial wastewater discharge is becoming increasingly regulated and water recycling is promoted to tackle the environmental pollution and water shortages, and thus there has been an increasing need for those membrane products that allow advanced wastewater treatment. The Sumitomo Electric Group continues to contribute to the water treatment projects in China and other developing countries through its technology.
Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) is a treatment method mainly for wastewater with organic contents. It employs the organic matter decomposition process using the activated sludge (microorganisms) together with the membrane separation process. The highly-concentrated activated sludge works to remove the organic matter dissolved in wastewater and then the membrane effectively separates the activated sludge and other particles in the water.
About Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (TOKYO:5802) designs, manufactures and sells advanced electronic devices, cable and components, optical fiber, and automotive parts. Through a successful strategy of research and diversification, Sumitomo Electric has become one of the world's leading companies at the forefront of the revolution in materials and process technology. The company has operations around the world in more than 30 countries and employs 150,000 people. Sumitomo Electric reported group net sales of $23 billion for the year ended March 2009. http://global-sei.com
About Sumitomo Electric Fine Polymer Inc.
Sumitomo Electric Fine Polymer Inc. (SFP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric, was launched as a new company in July 1999, by integrating polymeric products departments. SFP designs and manufactures products made of fine polymer materials. Using our unique technology, we contribute to a wide range of industries including automobiles, information and communications, home electronics and infrastructure. More information is available at http://www.sei-sfp.co.jp/english/
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